Cyprus Wine Tasting, Villages and Ancient Sites Day Trip from Ayia Napa and Protaras

Overview

Explore CyprusÂ’ wine country and rich history on this full-day trip from Ayia Napa and Protaras. Roll back the centuries at KourionÂ’s ancient amphitheater, and follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart at Kolossi Castle, learning about its links with the islandÂ’s oldest wine, Commandaria. Next, visit four gorgeous villages: taste delicious Â‘loukoumadesÂ’ (miniature donuts) at Monagri, enjoy free time to explore at Omodos, sample local vintages at Agios Mamas and visit an 18th-century chapel in Apsiou. This tour ticks all the history, wine, food, culture and scenery boxes.

Leave your centrally located Ayia Napa or Protaras hotel by air-conditioned coach, accompanied by your expert guide. Absorb the views as you travel to the ancient amphitheater of Kourion and your guide unravels the islandÂ’s ancient and medieval history.

Stop to see the restored Greco-Roman amphitheater and visit the Villa of Eustolios in the nearby relics of Kourion. Admire the intricate, excavated floor mosaics as you learn about kind of people who lived here so long ago.

Next, head for Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved castle built by the Knights of St John in the 15th century. Climb the stairways and listen to fascinating stories about its sugarcane processing facilities Â— once used in the making of Commandaria, the sweet Cypriot wine that Richard the Lionheart called the 'king of wines.'

Sample some delicious loukoumades at the village of Monagri and drive on to Omodos, in the heart of Cyprus wine country below the Troodos Mountains. Make the most of free time to wander around its cobbled square and recharge with lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).

Afterward, depart for Agios Mamas to visit a local winery. Taste wine cultivated from the nearby vineyards, including samples of Commandaria, before continuing on to the village of Apsiou.

On arrival in Apsiou, head to the 18th-century Chapel of Virgin Mary Hrysogalousas with your guide. Nestled between the mountain and the river, this small, plain chapel is a charming example of monolithic architecture.

When the time comes, return to your coach and relax on the journey back to Ayia Napa or Protaras, where a hotel drop-off ends your tour.

Ayia Napa - Fumugusta District, Cyprus